Like desktop computer users, manufacturers know all too well the problem of planned obsolescence. This happens when a new operating system is intentionally designed to be incompatible with various older software programs. However, manufacturers also have to deal with host platform obsolescence, which occurs when a newer I/O control module is unable to support an older version of a manufacturer’s product.

For quite a while, Speedline Technologies Inc. faced this problem when updating modules for its Electrovert line of PCB assembly equipment. But, that all changed several years ago when the company had Sensoray develop the Model 2600 I/O module series for use with Speedline’s wave soldering, reflow soldering and precision cleaning machines.